What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:6? Instead • Paul has just asked, “Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?” (1 Corinthians 6:5). The word “Instead” shows sharp contrast—believers should settle matters inside the church, yet they choose a worldly path. • Scripture consistently calls God’s people to deal with conflict internally and graciously (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 19:11). • By beginning with “Instead,” the Spirit highlights that what follows is abnormal for Christians who “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). one brother goes to law against another • “Brother” stresses family identity in Christ (Ephesians 2:19). Lawsuits between siblings in the faith deny the oneness Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). • Civil courts focus on winning; the gospel focuses on reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). • Paul is not condemning all use of courts; he is condemning believers who rush to secular judgment over matters that could—and should—be settled by Spirit-led mediation (1 Corinthians 6:1-3). • Key reminders: – Love “does not insist on its own way” (1 Corinthians 13:5). – It is “already a defeat” to sue rather than absorb loss for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 6:7). and this in front of unbelievers! • Public litigation drags family disputes before a watching world, clouding the testimony Jesus said would mark His disciples: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • Unbelievers see the church’s hypocrisy when Christians act no differently than society (Romans 2:24; 1 Peter 2:12). • Every courtroom appearance becomes a stage either for the gospel’s credibility or for scandal; Paul pleads that believers “live wisely toward outsiders” (Colossians 4:5). • The issue is not secrecy but witness: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). Lawsuits dim that light. summary 1 Corinthians 6:6 rebukes Christians who bypass the wisdom and fellowship of the church to sue fellow believers before secular courts. Such action contradicts the family unity Christ established, chooses worldly victory over gospel reconciliation, and tarnishes the church’s witness to unbelievers. God calls His people to settle disputes internally, display sacrificial love, and shine as a unified testimony to His transforming power. |
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